April 2018

The large demand for working professionals in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Computer Vision and Quantum Computing occupations (“Big Data”) is ongoing in the U.S. labor market. Employing foreign workers in these positions can be complex, given U.S. immigration laws governing the employment of these workers coupled with the war on legal immigration, particularly … Continued

It is perhaps an understatement to say that immigration is a controversial political issue. With Congress deeply divided regarding immigration reform, it seems improbable that any new immigration laws will be passed. However, the divisions in Congress have not stopped this Administration from proceeding with significant changes to immigration policy. From the infamous Travel Ban … Continued

Informed immigrant entrepreneurs are well familiar with the obstacles in U.S. immigration law facing entrepreneurs hoping to obtain long-term residence in the United States. SGG clients enjoy successes in obtaining immigration benefits in non-immigrant categories such as L-1, E-1, E-2, O-1 and H-1B. But all of these categories have their limitations and rigidities because they … Continued

In this current climate of increased audits and administrative site visits, it is crucial for businesses to remain compliant with all I-9, H-1B, PERM and EB-5 regulations. In this article, we provide an overview of the relevant compliance requirements, as well as an explanation of the government players during site visits and audits and what … Continued

In January 2017, SGG accepted two cases from the Ninth Circuit’s pro bono program involving detainees whose mental competency to represent themselves in immigration proceedings was in question. SGG Attorneys Amy Lenhert, Helen A. Sklar, and Taiyyeba Skomra worked together on these cases, and we are pleased to report that we won both. After … Continued

The U.S. Congress recently extended the EB-5 Regional Center Program through September 30, 2018 as part of the Omnibus budget package. The extension was passed without changes to the current statutory or regulatory requirements. In summary, foreign nationals who invest equity capital in a new commercial enterprise, which in turn results in the creation of … Continued

“Mr. Jones,” a 65-year-old client who has been a lawful permanent resident (LPR) since the age of 4, desired to renew his green card. This may seem like a normal event; however, Mr. Jones had avoided renewing his green card for many years. Without valid proof of his LPR status, though, he was unable to … Continued

Until recently, the majority of H-4 visa holders (derivative spouses of H-1B professional visa holders) were dependent on their H-1B spouses for income and for many, their survival. Since 2015, H-4 visa holders have been permitted to work in the United States if they meet one of two very limited criteria. However, most H-4 visa holders … Continued

Lorena (not her real name) was distressed when she first came to our office. She just received a decision from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) denying her application for permanent residence. Lorena had applied for permanent residence based on a visa petition filed by her mother, who is a lawful permanent resident of … Continued

On February 14, 2018, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will begin accepting credit card payments for most form filing fees. The new payment option is available for 41 fee-based forms that are processed at USCIS Lockbox facilities, including the following commonly used forms: Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative; Form I-131, Application for … Continued

SGG is comprised of 17 attorneys and a team of experienced paralegals and administrative staff who are devoted to producing excellent work product and client service. Below is a Q&A with Candice Garett, one of the longest-serving members of the law firm and an attorney in the Investors & Entrepreneurs Practice Group. Question: What is … Continued